NHTSA estimates helmets reduce the risk of fatal head injury by 40% and the risk of death in a motorcycle crash by 37%.
Unhelmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries than helmeted riders in a crash.
In Nebraska, a study on hospital costs for injured motorcyclists showed a decline in total acute medical charges of 38% after the law was implemented.
Studies show that unhelmeted riders involved in crashes are less likely to have insurance and more likely to have higher hospital costs than helmeted riders in similar crashes. (NHTSA).
All states that have weakened or repealed helmet laws have experienced an increase in fatality rates.
According to March 2004 survey of 900 Nebraskans conducted by Research Associates, “(79%) indicated that the Nebraska law requiring motorcycle helmets should be continued; 15% indicated it should be repealed; 7% indicated don’t know.”
Only 2% of licensed Nebraska motorcyclists are under the age of 21.
In order to operate a motorcycle on the highways of the State of Nebraska, all operators must have a Class M (motorcycle) license or Class M endorsement on a regular operator’s license. Just having a regular Class O (operators) license does not allow an individual to operate a motorcycle; law requires a Class M license or Class M endorsement.
No person shall operate a moped unless the person has a valid Class O operator’s license, a valid school, or learner’s permit.
Protective helmets that meet the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218 are required for all operators and passengers of a motorcycle or moped. The protective helmet must be secured properly on the head of the operator or passenger with a chinstrap while the motorcycle or moped is in motion. The helmet shall consist of lining, padding, and chin strap and shall meet or exceed the U.S. D.O.T. 218 Standard.
MOTORCYCLE/MOPED LICENSE STATUTES
For more detail click on a corresponding section of law:
60-4,127 Class M License (Motorcycle)
MOTORCYCLE/MOPED HELMET STATUTES
60-6,278 Legislative findings.SPECIAL RULES FOR MOTORCYCLES
60-6,306 Nebraska Rules of the Road; applicability
to person operating a motorcycle.
60-6,307 Restrictions on operating a
motorcycle.
60-6,308 Operating a motorcycle on roadways
laned for traffic; prohibited acts.
SPECIAL RULES FOR MOPEDS
60-6,309 Moped applicable statutes.
60-6,311 Moped operator; Nebraska Rules of the
Road; applicable.
60-6,312 Moped; restrictions on operation.
60-6,313 Operating mopeds on roadways laned
for traffic; prohibited acts.
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has adopted as its basic motorcycle education course, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginning rider course entitled “MSF: Basic RiderCourse” (BRC). This course provides for a minimum of 14 hours of motorcycle instruction with at least 4 hours of classroom instruction and at least 10 hours of actual range time riding motorcycles. The course integrates the classroom instruction and the range driving such that following classroom instruction, the concepts are applied to and practiced on the range. The basic course includes the following topics:
Successful completion of any of the courses listed below will allow the graduate to have the DMV examiner waive both the written and drive test when application is made to obtain a license to operate a motorcycle. Course graduates may also be eligible for lower insurance rates. Enrollment is limited and courses often fill quickly, so register early. To obtain more information or to register, contact one of the state approved beginning rider course providers listed below.
Bellevue Area:Gering/Scottsbluff Area:
Western Nebraska Motorcycle Training
308-641-4692
www.cedar-canyon-cycles.com
Additional Motorcycle Information can be found at the following websites:
Motorcycle Safety Planner Available: Click to Download (PDF):